Portsmouth, Ohio – Shawnee State women's basketball got the 2017-18 campaign off to a memorable start, with the #5 ranked Bears blitzing Kentucky Christian 108-52 on Friday night.
The Bears would get off to a hot start, racing out to an early 7-2 lead to force a Kentucky Christian timeout. The Bears would keep the pressure on, shooting 77.8% in the first quarter. Bailey Cummins (SO/Brooksville, Kentucky) would get multiple layups at the rim, leading Shawnee State with 10 first period points. Kentucky Christian would keep it close, but the Bears would pull away to lead at the end of one 30-19.
The second quarter would be all Shawnee State as the Bears quickly pushed their lead to 20 after a Lydia Poe (JR/Jackson, Ohio) basket-and-foul shot. The Bears would keep up the hot shooting, ending the half at 75.7% from the field, and 55.6% from three, hitting five of nine from deep. Madison Ridout (SR/Jackson, Ohio)'s 12 second quarter points led SSU to a 63-30 advantage at halftime.
The Bears would cool off a bit in the second half, but would continue to extend their lead. SSU would win the third quarter 23-16, with the Bears stifling Kentucky Christian on defense. The Bears would continue to handle the Knights' attack in the fourth quarter, allowing only six points to see out the victory 108-52.
Madison Ridout scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Shawnee State in both categories. Ashton Lovely (JR/Jamestown, Ohio) added 22 points and five assists, while Bailey Cummins had 22 and four. Lydia Poe also had a big night for SSU, scoring 16 and grabbing eight rebounds. Shawnee State shot 59.5% from the field on the night.
Faith Conn led Kentucky Christian with 19 points. Lexie Gilliland added 10 points.
The win improves Shawnee State's record to 1-0 on the new season. Kentucky Christian drops to 0-1. Friday night marked the third consecutive season that Shawnee State scored 100 or more in their season opener. Shawnee State now leads the all-time series with KCU 4-0 after Friday's win.
Shawnee State women's basketball will have a quick turnaround, as they host Cincinnati Christian on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is set for 2:00pm.
